MSPS are seeking assurances that ministers will make “sufficient resources” available to cope with the expected increase in demand for postal voting in next year’s Holyrood election.
The Scottish Government believes as many as 40% of Scots may choose to mail in their ballot as a result of the pandemic – more than double the number of people who usually vote in this way. Holyrood’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee said contingency measures should be put in place in case demand for postal votes exceeds this.
Committee convener Bill Kidd said it is “important” for the voices of the electorate to be heard but plans need to be in place to make sure this happens.
The Scottish Government has already brought forward legislation to deal with the impact Covid-19 could have on the May 2021 election.
Proposals set out in the Scottish General Election (Coronavirus) Bill could mean the ballot takes place over more than one day or is postponed until later.
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